THE ANC STATEMENT ON FLOYD SHIVAMBU  ARTICLE

The African National Congress is appalled at the crude, uncouth, disrespectful and insulting attack on Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa by Floyd Shivambu in the weekend newspapers (see article). This attack is both mischievous, disingenuous and smack of ill-discipline.  Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa is an outstanding leader of the ANC and has earned his standing due to his unflattering commitment to the organisation and the objectives of a free and democratic South Africa.

Cde Cyril ranks amongst those who opted to stand against apartheid when it was unfashionable and when the prize of activism was certain death. He had an option of following his profession and carve himself comfort lifestyle but chose to champion the course of those that were sidelined and dehumanized. As a result of his consistent commitment, he rose to the rank of being the Secretary General of the ANC, a rank he held with distinction and commitment.  While at helm of the core leadership of the ANC, Comrade Cyril was tasked with responsibility to lead the drafting of a democratic Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.  

This decision was not a decision of an individual but the collective leadership of the ANC. Once the task he was assigned was fully accomplished he decided to move on to new terrain with the full support of the ANC leadership under Nelson Mandela, he did not up and go as some may want us to believe, he submitted his request to the ANC collective and the first time it was declined, he submitted to leadership without question. Later when he was convinced that he was ready for a new terrain of struggle he managed to convince the leadership collective and he was released with the blessing of the leadership including that of President Nelson Mandela.

He has continued to serve the organisation selflessly and to grow in his business ventures. He continues together with other Comrades to impact on the business psyche and instill new values based on patriotism. The personal attack on his person is a sign of bankruptcy on the side of Floyd. Comrade Cyril has never discussed being on a list of any factional lobby. The branches of the ANC have not started to discuss nominations and therefore there is no truth that Comrade Cyril is appearing on any list. This exists in the warped imagination of the likes of Floyd.

The role and processes of the NDC and the NDCA are determined by the Constitution of the ANC and therefore the evidence placed in front of these structures determines the outcome. it is therefore disingenuous to blame an individual for the work processed by a team. This is tantamount to saying other members of the team are dwarfs, useless, sheepish followers who do not apply their mind. This in itself, is an insult to the members of the NDCA and their integrity as leaders of the ANC in their own right

Floyd's senseless attack on Comrade Cyril derives from the notion that there are untouchables within the ANC who loom larger than the organisation and the Constitution.  Floyd Shivambu has a history of lacking discipline and this has come with a cost in some of our progressive structures at tertiary level. It is not surprising that he left the Young Communist League on the verge of being charged.  He is currently facing serious charges within the ANC, clearly we are dealing with a serial offender who continues to bring shame and disgrace to the broader democratic movement. His attack on an elected leader of the ANC who is an NEC Member cannot be explained as anything but lack of discipline and respect for the organisation.

We again want to reiterate that at no stage did President Zuma suggest any course of action to the disciplinary structures of the ANC with regards to any matter before them.

We want to restate for the umpteenth time that when Comrade Jacob Zuma was asked a question during an interview on what could  be the response of the ANC on the statement of the ANCYL that they will not allow Julius Malema to vacate his leadership position in the Youth League irrespective of the outcome of the disciplinary process, he then responded by saying the Constitution of the ANC defines the next steps should the NDCA uphold the expulsion sanction of the NDC. It is very unfortunate and regrettable for Floyd and company to deliberately mislead the public and lie about what the President said on this matter.

The cynical phrase of 'borrowed robes' clearly is undermining the capacity and capabilities of one of our outstanding cadres who is steadfast in his adherence to the struggle for freedom in South Africa and his selfless commitment to the achievement of the struggle and the creation of the better life for all. It is equally saddening that because of petty jealousies from the likes of Floyd, the successes that a number of blacks have achieved in the main stream of the economy under very trying circumstances is relegated to insignificance.

The advice we can offer to the likes of Floyd is that ANC members and the public cannot be fooled by their statements.  We also want to warn them that their pronouncements that seek to castigate the integrity of good members like Cyril Ramaphosa will never stick. Lastly, we want to advise that history will be the only judge.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, April 16 2012

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